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UBC hires new Provost and Vice-President Academic

Andrew Szeri, a professor at the University of California Berkeley campus, is the new Provost and Vice-President Academic for UBC Vancouver.

He replaces Dr. Angela Redish, who has served as Provost and Vice-President Academic pro tem since July 2015. According to a broadcast email sent out by UBC this morning, his term begins on July 1 but is also “subjected to Canadian immigration authorities.”

A global search began in early January of this year for the person that would fill the role, assisted by a search committee headed by UBC President Santa Ono.

This position manages UBC’s “academic strategy, budgetary and planning processes.” The role also includes overseeing “the university’s academic programs and support functions — research, faculty affairs, enrolment, sustainability and information technology.”

During his time at Berkeley, Szeri has held two notable leadership positions.

From 2007 to 2014, he was the dean of the Graduate Division, overseeing the “academic quality assurance and financial responsibilities [for] nearly 11,000 students.” From 2014 to 2016, he managed “academic program review of all departments and schools” as the vice provost for strategic academic and facilities planning.

Since 2016, Szeri has taught fluid mechanics and nonlinear dynamics in the department of mechanical engineering.

“The Provost and Vice-President Academic is a vital role at UBC Vancouver, providing vision and leadership as we develop and launch the university’s strategic plan,” said Ono in the email. “As we embark on UBC’s Next Century, I am confident that Professor Szeri will help navigate the complex nature of our world, ensuring alignment of priorities alongside our commitments to research, scholarly excellence and the student experience.”